An Intro to Policy Analysis (and why scientists already rule at it)

By Sheeva Azma

Scientists would be great at policy analysis, if only they knew their research skills transfer well enough that they can easily add it to their repertoire.

There’s a lot of talk right now about science and what the priorities for science will be in Trump 47. It seems like every day, there is a new executive order affecting federal funds and federal workers, which includes many scientists and almost all STEM graduate students in the United States.

As is becoming increasingly clear, this stuff is not just for government geeks – it affects us all! We need scientists to analyze policies and provide evidence-based input. In case you don’t know what policy analysis is or why scientists are so perfect for this important part of policymaking…keep reading.

Scientists’ research skills makes them exceptional at policy analysis. However, you rarely hear of scientists working on policy issues. It would be great if scientists learned about how to do policy analysis and did it, whether informally or as a job, both to help them speak out informatively on policy issues that matter to them, and to also help inform policies through their own science research. There are many ways that science research itself can feed into policies to help society — but that could be an entirely separate blog post.

The why: Policy analysis matters for society!

Just what is policy analysis, you might be thinking, and how can I start applying it to my work? Next time you’re scratching your head over a new law or wondering about the impact of a policy change, remember – good analysis can light the way. Keep reading to learn more about how to do policy analysis as a scientist. (You can also hire us to do policy analysis).

What is policy analysis?

Policy analysis is a systematic approach to evaluating and developing solutions for public issues. It involves examining existing or potential policies to determine their effectiveness in achieving stated goals. Policy analysis is used in public policy to provide policymakers with evidence-based recommendations to tackle complex social issues.

Major concerns of policy analysts that pertain to science are “human health needs, environmental pressures, energy consumption caused by economic growth and urbanization, and the resulting demand for sustainable development.” In these areas, there is a multidisciplinary dialogue necessitated by complex real-world social problems, write Yang et al. in Nature.

Wikipedia breaks down the two main types of policy analysis:

Analysis of existing policies: This is descriptive and analytical, aiming to explain current policies and their development.

Analysis for new policies: This is prescriptive, focusing on formulating new policies and proposals to address specific problems.

Fancy Comma has worked on several policy analysis projects, which has typically involved reading about a policy or proposed change, and researching what its impacts might be.

The process typically involves:

1. Defining the problem
2. Assessing policy objectives and target populations
3. Studying policy effects
4. Evaluating policy implications
5. Considering alternative policies

This process can involve synthesizing information via qualitative research such as cost-benefit analysis and statistical analysis. In other words, doing policy analysis is kind of like writing a research report on a given policy and its impacts.

Key Aspects of Policy Analysis

Policy analysis seeks to understand the government’s focus and priorities, as well as policy creation and implementation, including that of previous policies. It also seeks to predict outcomes of policies to be implemented. It is crucial for ensuring that public policies achieve their intended outcomes while minimizing unintended consequences.

Policy analysis can take at least three forms:

• Analysis-centric: Focuses on individual problems and technical solutions, such as a deep dive into the causes and effects of the physician shortage in the United States and ways Congress can act to lessen it
• Policy process: Examines political processes and stakeholders, such as via examining how Senators might vote on a presidential cabinet appointee
• Meta-policy: Considers broader contextual factors influencing policy, such as the effect of China’s trade policies on our own

Why should scientists do policy analysis?

Scientists are well-suited for policy analysis in several key ways:

1. Expertise in complex systems: Scientists have deep knowledge of their fields, allowing them to understand intricate relationships and mechanisms within systems. This expertise enables them to conceptualize options and propose actions that are likely to be effective, writes Roussos.
2. Analytical skills: Their training in research methods and data analysis equips scientists to critically evaluate evidence, identify conflicting information, and expose weaknesses in analyses.
3. Problem identification: Scientists can uncover emerging issues, especially in their fields of expertise and related fields, bringing attention to matters that require policy intervention.
4. Evidence-based approach: Scientists are trained to rely on objective assessments of evidence, which is crucial for developing well-informed policies.
5. Interdisciplinary collaboration: Many policy issues require input from various scientific disciplines. Scientists are accustomed to collaborating across fields, and policymakers would benefit for the new perspective that is often lacking from policymaking.
6. Ability to simplify complex information: Scientists can help non-experts understand complex topics, which is essential for effective policymaking.
7. Long-term perspective: Scientific training often involves considering long-term consequences and systemic effects, which is valuable for sustainable policy development.
8. Objectivity: While not always achieved in the real world (whether in policy or science or some other domain), scientists are trained to strive for objectivity and to consider alternative interpretations, which can help in developing balanced policies.
9. Credibility: Scientists can build credibility as sources of information by providing comprehensive and unbiased assessments, which is crucial for policy analysis.
10. Adaptability: Scientists are accustomed to updating their understanding based on new evidence, a valuable trait in the ever-changing landscape of policy analysis.

These qualities make scientists valuable contributors to various stages of the policy cycle, from problem emergence and agenda setting to policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation.

Check out our free resources for more information to upskill on science policy, science communication, and more.